Cafcass Support in Peterborough can make a significant difference if you are preparing for a safeguarding call, Section 7 report or family court hearing. I help parents representing themselves understand the process and prepare with confidence.
I also assist parents from nearby areas including Stamford, Market Deeping, Whittlesey, Oundle, Huntingdon, March and Wisbech.
Cafcass and the Family Court in Peterborough
Private family law cases involving children may be heard at:
Peterborough Combined Court Centre
Crown Buildings
Rivergate
Peterborough
PE1 1EJ
Cases may involve Section 8 Children Act proceedings, including Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders.
Cafcass may become involved by completing safeguarding enquiries, speaking with the parents or preparing a Section 7 report when directed by the court.
My role is independent. I do not work for Cafcass or the court.
Always check your hearing notice before travelling, as the arrangements will depend on your individual case.
Preparing for a Cafcass safeguarding call in Peterborough
A Cafcass safeguarding call is usually relatively short, but parents are often asked to explain complicated events within a limited amount of time.
Preparation is not about learning a script. It is about identifying the important information, explaining it clearly and keeping the focus on the child.
I can help you:
- understand what Cafcass is likely to explore;
- identify the points that are most relevant;
- practise possible questions through a mock safeguarding interview;
- explain concerns without becoming overwhelmed or defensive;
- distinguish between adult conflict and concerns affecting the child;
- and understand how your answers may be viewed from a child-focused perspective.
We can talk through the likely questions and practise answering them in a way that is clear, honest and relevant to the issues in your case.
For a detailed explanation of the safeguarding process, see my Cafcass safeguarding and Section 7 guide.
Section 7 Report Support in Peterborough
Where the court orders a Section 7 report, the Cafcass Family Court Adviser may speak with both parents, obtain information from other professionals and, where appropriate, meet or speak with the child.
The report may address the child’s circumstances, welfare concerns and possible future arrangements. It will usually contain recommendations for the court, although the judge remains responsible for the final decision.
I can help you understand:
- what the court has asked Cafcass to investigate;
- what information may be relevant to the assessment;
- how to prepare for a longer Section 7 interview;
- how to organise supporting evidence;
- and how to respond if you disagree with part of the completed report.
This may include reviewing the report with you, identifying factual inaccuracies or areas of disagreement and helping you prepare a clear position statement for the next hearing.
What one parent said about Section 7 support
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Greg at Everyman Justice has been instrumental in helping me navigate a Section 7 report and position statement. Very knowledgeable and clear. I would definitely recommend using him rather than an expensive solicitor.”
David — five-star Trustpilot review, February 2026
Read the full review on Trustpilot
Remote and in-person support for Peterborough cases
Much of the preparation can be completed remotely by video call, telephone and document review. This can keep the overall cost lower and avoids unnecessary travel.
Some parents prefer a mixed approach. For example, we may prepare the case remotely and then meet in person for an important hearing at Peterborough Combined Court Centre.
Peterborough is accessible from Suffolk by both car and train. The rail journey from Ipswich is a practical option for attending hearings, while driving may be more suitable depending on the hearing time and the documents required.
For a hearing lasting more than one day, I would normally discuss the most economical arrangement with you in advance. Rather than charging repeated long-distance travel every day, staying locally overnight may be the more practical and cost-effective option.
Free online Cafcass information sessions
I also host free online information sessions for parents who want to understand Cafcass involvement before deciding what support they need.
The sessions may cover:
- the purpose of the safeguarding call;
- what happens when a Section 7 report is ordered;
- preparing for interviews;
- keeping explanations child-focused;
- and common mistakes parents make when speaking about difficult events.
Upcoming sessions for parents in Peterborough are listed through the Peterborough Matters Local Events section.
Why choose Everyman Justice?
Some parents only need one preparation session before speaking with Cafcass. Others need support reviewing a Section 7 report, preparing a position statement or attending a later hearing.
My approach is practical and structured. I help you separate the important information from the background conflict, understand what the professionals are considering and prepare in a way that keeps the child’s welfare central.
Support is tailored to the stage your proceedings have reached rather than sold as a fixed package you may not need.
Fees and availability
I provide both remote and in-person McKenzie Friend support for parents in Peterborough and the surrounding area.
Fees and any travel or overnight costs are discussed and agreed before work begins.
You can view my current fees, travel arrangements and other locations covered on the Fees and Service Areas page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you attend Peterborough Combined Court Centre with me?
Yes. Where appropriate and permitted by the court, I can attend a hearing as your McKenzie Friend and provide quiet practical support during the proceedings.
How long does it take you to travel to Peterborough?
Peterborough is accessible from Suffolk by both car and train. The exact journey depends on the time of the hearing and the route used, so I confirm the travel arrangements before a booking is agreed.
Will I have to pay travel costs every day for a multi-day hearing?
Not necessarily. If a hearing lasts several days, repeatedly travelling from Suffolk may not be sensible. In that situation, I would usually discuss staying locally overnight if that creates a more practical and economical arrangement.
Can we prepare online and meet only for the hearing?
Yes. This is often the most efficient approach. We can complete the document review, mock interview and hearing preparation remotely, then meet in person at the court where attendance is helpful.
Is in-person support more expensive than online support?
In-person support may involve travel or accommodation costs, but these are explained in advance. Many clients use a mixed approach so that most preparation remains remote and in-person support is reserved for the most important stage.
Do you only support parents living in Peterborough?
No. I also support parents from Stamford, Market Deeping, Whittlesey, Oundle, Huntingdon, March, Wisbech and other surrounding areas. Remote support is available more widely.
Can you help before Cafcass contacts me?
Yes. Early preparation can help you identify the important issues, practise likely questions and avoid trying to explain the entire history during a short safeguarding call.
Do you work alongside other professionals?
Yes. Where appropriate, I can work alongside solicitors, barristers, mediators, counsellors or divorce coaches by helping you stay organised and prepared between appointments. Each professional has a different role, and my involvement remains focused on practical family court preparation and McKenzie Friend support.
Have you helped with Section 7 reports before?
Yes. I have supported parents with preparation for Section 7 assessments, reviewing completed reports and preparing position statements for later hearings.
Book a free consultation
If Cafcass is involved in your Peterborough family court case, you can arrange a free initial conversation to explain:
- what stage the case has reached;
- whether Cafcass has contacted you;
- whether a Section 7 report has been ordered;
- and what kind of support you need.
We can then discuss whether remote preparation, in-person support or a mixed approach would be most suitable.
Also supporting parents near Peterborough
- Stamford
- Market Deeping
- Whittlesey
- Oundle
- Huntingdon
- March
- Wisbech